Quality Is Permament

Let's get one thing out of the way first—Wayne Rooney was, and still is, a world-class footballer.

Known primarily as a forward, the Englishman's qualities are so diverse and complete, it is often remarked of him that he could play any outfield position on the pitch.

On the popular website WhoScored.com, one that tracks team and individual statistics, he is one of a very small number of players who is described as having "no significant weaknesses."

He is certainly a devastating finisher in and around the box, but I would argue that this is not even his strongest attribute.

Rooney is close to being a complete player﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿—he can shoot, pass, even tackle when he needs to.

He once said of himself: "I feel I'm a good enough footballer to play anywhere on the park. That's not being big-headed. I feel I am capable of doing that. If the manager wants me to play there, I have no problem in doing that" (via BBC).

We are yet to see anything this season to indicate that this has changed.

Fergie Has Faith in His Man, Why Shouldn't We?

Both fans of Manchester United and pundits alike are quick to criticise Sir Alex Ferguson for his reluctance to reinforce in central midfield.

You can even add my name to that list—I cried out for the Scotsman to sign PSV's Kevin Strootman before the season began.

But there is genius behind the madness, a genius that takes time for people to fully recognise.

Michael Carrick has long been a player who takes half a season to get to peak form, and once that happens he is virtually undroppable.

Anderson has the potential to be the box-to-box enforcer that the side craves, while Tom Cleverley has come on leaps and bounds already.

With Shinji Kagawa and Rooney as the more attacking central midfield options, an in-form United has a spine to match most in Europe.

After a hard-fought win over Otelul Galati in the Champions League in 2011, Fergie was quick to point out that playing in midfield was a long-term option for Wayne.

"His selection of passes at times was very good and he showed great energy and determination. We got a really good performance out of him. He has all the qualities you need to be a central midfield player," he told reporters (via BBC).